'Paint The Town Blue' Returns For 2nd Year

CHICAGO - Businesses in the city's 19th Ward are once again leading the charge in support of the Chicago Police Department with the upcoming "Paint the Town Blue" campaign that will raise funds for the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation. From May 10 to May 20, 17 businesses in Beverly, Mount Greenwood and Morgan Park will be selling paper stars to allow patrons to show their support for Chicago police.

Stars will be hung in those businesses, and will be available for purchase for $1, $5 and $20, according to a news release from 19th Ward Ald. Matt O'Shea's office. All sales will go to the CPMF, a not-for-profit organization that provides support and financial assistance to the families of Chicago police officers who were killed or catastrophically injured in the line of duty.

The campaign will officially begin on Friday, May 10 during a 10 a.m. press conference at the Original Pancake House - Beverly.

“We are so excited to have the opportunity to host the kick-off event for Paint the Town Blue this year, as last year was such a great success and our team is looking forward to selling even more stars to our eager customers,” said Julie Harrigan, owner of Original Pancake House – Beverly.

“Our family has great appreciation and affection for the Chicago Police Department, especially those women and men of the 22nd district. Businesses within our area are thriving, with many new businesses opening, thanks to the peace and order maintained by our officers. We are forever grateful for their commitment, and appreciate the sacrifices they and their families make each day.”

The Original Pancake House is one of these 17 businesses who are taking part this year.

• Barney Callaghan's Pub; 10618 S. Western Ave.
• Beverly Hills Garage; 2043 W. 95th St.
• Burger King; 11020 S. Kedzie Ave.
• County Fair; 10800 S. Western Ave.
• Dunkin' Donuts; 3206 W. 111th St.
• Fox's Beverly Pub; 9956 S. Western Ave.
• Hinky Dinks Pub; 3243 W. 111th St.
• Hippo's; 3011 W. 111th St.
• Joey's Red Hots; 11500 S. Western Ave.
• Live and Believe Nutrition; 2025 W. 95th St.
• Lunettes Family Eyecare & Optical Boutique; 3402 W. 111th St.
• Original Pancake House; 10437 S Western Ave.
• Original Rainbow Cone; 9233 S. Western Ave.
• Plug T-Shirt Store; 3652 W. 111th St.
• Shrader's Goods, Inc; 3145 W. 111th St.
• Southtown Health Foods; 2100 W. 95th St.
• Treadfit; 10458 S. Western Ave.

The number of neighborhood businesses participating this year is more than double the number from last year, the inaugural year of the local campaign.

To help energize participating, O'Shea plans to be a celebrity bartender at Barney Callaghan's from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 17.